Project

TERRA is a hybrid terrestrial fiber-optic and microwave network that removes the limitations of satellite and provides symmetrical broadband service to Alaska’s remote and rural regions. With a direct land-based connection to Anchorage and the Internet, the TERRA network delivers critical bandwidth to numerous public, nonprofit, and private entities such as regional health corporations, school districts, native organizations, and residents.

The build-out of the TERRA network is no small feat. Alaska is home to some of the most challenging geography in North America and regularly experiences unpredictable and unforgiving weather which can affect construction. A majority of the communities that most need fast, reliable Internet are separated by vast distances and often can’t be reached by road. GCI’s TERRA project team, in partnership with other organizations like STG incorporated and Erickson Aviation, continues to answer these challenges as they expand the network to new communities throughout the Arctic. In 2013, TERRA won the NATOA (National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors) Community Broadband Wireless Network of the Year award.

TIMELINE

TERRA Yukon – Construction in 2014Extending the network along the Yukon River. Installation of three mountain top repeater sites and one microwave tower in Galena. Expected completion in 2015.

TERRA Northwest Phase 3 – Construction in 2014Extending the network to Kotzebue. Installation of five repeater sites and one microwave tower in Kotzebue. Estimated completion in 2014.

TERRA Northwest Phase 2 – Completed in 2013Installation of three remote repeaters and one microwave tower connecting Shaktoolik to Nome.

TERRA Northwest Phase 1 – Completed 2012Installation of two new microwave towers and three remote repeaters connecting Grayling to Unalakleet and Unalakleet to Shaktoolik. Read the press release.

TERRA Southwest Last Mile Internet – Completed 2012Construction of last-mile broadband Internet to homes in the 65 TERRA Southwest communities is complete. See more information at GCI.